Packaging machine for filling and closing a receptacle



May 27, 1969 G. w. MAIER ETAL 3,445,988

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Nw Q ATTORNEYS May 2?, 1969 @,wMNE-R mm. l 3,445,988

PACKAGING MACHINE FOR FILLING AND CLOSING A HECEPTACLE Filed oct. 31,196e sheet 2 of 5 O cv 2g 2 N (D 0 t Q ,l d.

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v INVENTORS n GARY w. MAlER N BY DAVID H.JEHN

ATTORNEYS May 27, 1969 G, W MAlER ETAL 3,445,988

PACKAGING MACHINE FOR FILLING AND CLOSING A RECEPTACLE Fldloct. 31, 1965l S I Q `47 GARY w. mwa/gm@ |20 BY DAVID H. JEHN H /IIS @LL/AZUWFLLVATTORNEYS y May 27, 1969 G. W. MAIER ET A1. 3,445,988 PACKAGING MACHINEFOR FILLING AND CLOSING A RECEPTACLE Filed oct. 31, 196e sheet 4 of 5222 No4 zia INVENTORS GARY W. MAIER DAVID H. JEHN BY 22o Fm *y fu/mmmwww MWL ATToRNEv/ cs. W. MAIER ET AL 3,445,988

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United States Patent() U.S. Cl. 53-282 12 Claims ABSTRACT F THEDISCLOSURE A packaging machine for dispensing, lling and coveringsreceptacles automatically, such operations being performed at aplurality of work stations. The packaging machine includes a rotarysupport having a series of die elements thereon, each die element beingadapted to receive an open top receptacle having a rim at a firststation; at subsequent stations various operations are performedincluding measuring and delivering predetermined amounts of theingredients into the receptacle and for positioning a cover on thereceptacle. Thereafter a novel closing die assembly is provided at astation for engaging and clamping the rim and cover together to form asealed receptacle.

This invention relates to a method and to a packaging machine orapparatus for making a food package of the type for storing and cookingfood therein made of aluminum foil or other metal embodying a cookingutensil. More specifically, the food package prepared by the method andapparatus of this invention, is described in the Richard P. Dunnapplication entitled, Popcorn Package, Ser. No. 583,5901l filed in theU.S. Patent Office on Oct. 3, 1966l and assigned to assignee of record.

Food packages and in particular popcorn packages have been in commercialuse in recent years. It is necessary in order to sell such popcornpackages at relatively low costs that they be manufactured economicallyand eiciently on a production basis. It is further necessary that themethod and apparatus utilized in forming the food package meet State andFederal requirements pertaining to the public health, safety andwelfare.

v In the present invention a packaging machine is provided whichincludes an indexable turn table or rotary support having thereon aplurality of female die members, as an example, ten in number, suchrotary support being indexable through a plurality of stations, as anexample, six in number, where certain filling and forming operations areperformed in order to provide a closed and sealed package containing afood product. The forming of a food package requires only one revolutionof the rotary support.

The apparatus includes a first station where an open top aluminum foilreceptacle is placed in the die element. Thereafter the table is indexedto move the receptacle to a second station where a predetermined andmeasured quantity of the popcorn or other food ingredients is dispensedinto the open receptacle. Thereafter the rotary table is indexed to movethe open receptacle containing popcorn to the third station Where ametered amount of liquid ingredients is dispensed therein. Thereafterthe rotary table is indexed to bring the receptacle to the fourthstation where a cellophane or other light weight material cover isplaced thereon. Thereafter the table is indexed to move the receptacleto a fifth station where a closing die assembly is energized to seal andclose the receptacle and thus form a sealed food or popcorn package.Finally, the rotary support is indexed to move the closed package to asixth station where means are provided for lifting the closed packagefrom the die element and thereafter ejecting the package into adispensing chute.

It has been found that the operation described heretofore may be fullyautomatic or semi-automatic depending upon the rate of productionrequired and the cost involved in producing a package according to anautomatic or semi-automatic method. It has been found that a popcornpackage may be formed in approximately ten seconds when using a fullyautomatic apparatus while only four seconds are required to make aclosed and sealed food package when a semi-automatic method is employed.The packing machine includes electrical, pneumatic and vacnum circuitswhich are constructed and arranged to provide maximum eiciencyregardless of whether the machine is fully automatic or semi-automatic.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein a preerred form of the present invention is clearlyshown.

FIGURE l is a perspective View of a packaging machine or apparatus andassociated containers and equipment.

FIGURE 1A is a vertical sectional view through an open top receptacle ofcircular outline.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective View of the packaging machine or apparatuslooking from another direction and illustrating additional features ofthe packaging machine.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary View, partly in section of a fluid operateddiaphragm type valve mechanism for measuring and dispensing apredetermined quantity or volume of certain ingredients, as an example,kernels of corn, into the receptacle.

FIGURE 3A is a sectional view taken on the line 3A 3A of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, illustrating a fluidoperated tapper or reciprocating piston device for tapping the bottom ofthe container or receptacle to evenly distribute the kernels oringredients previously dispensed into the receptacle.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, of the closing headand upper die assembly located at one of the stations of the apparatus,with such assembly in an inoperative raised position.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, of the closing headand upper die assembly and illustrating such closing assembly in anoperative position.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, taken substantiallyon the line 7 7 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of portions of thelower die unit or element and the rotary support or table.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating the fluidcylinder and linkage mechanism associated with the closing head andupper die assembly of FIG- URES 5 and 6.

FIGURE l0 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating a fluidoperated piston device for lifting the closed package from the lower dieunit or element at the discharge station.

FIGURE l1 is an elevational View of a cellophane cutting apparatus whichcuts the covers for the receptacles.

FIGURE l2 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, through the cutterof the -cellophane cutting apparatus taken substantially on the line12-12 of FIGURE 1l.

FIGURE 13 is a schematic pneumatic circuit diagram for the automatedpackaging machine illustrated in FIG- URES 1 and 2.

The packaging machine is designated in FIGURES 1 and 2 by the numeral 10and includes a centrally located lower tubular column or support 12having a metal base 14. The base 14 rests upon a rubber or resilient pador mat 15 which absorbs the shocks created during the operation of themachine 10 The upper end of the lower column 12 is provided with abronze bearing, not shown, and a Teflon bearing, not shown, upon whichis mounted the rotary table or support 16. An upper tubular columnextension or support 18 having a mounting collar or sleeve 19 isprovided which cooperates with the aforementioned bearings, not shown,and helps to support the table 16 and in addition thereto providessupport for certain brackets and equipment of the machine as willsubsequently appear. The lower column 12 and the upper column 18 remainstationary during the rotation of the table 16 about the aforementionedbearings as will subsequently appear.

Mountetd on top of the rotary table or support 16 are ten female dies orelements 20. It should be appreciated, however, that any number offemale dies or die assemblies may be utilized when practicing thepresent invention. The -die elements 20 are circumferentially spacedapart, an equal distance, adjacent the outer periphery of the table 16as best illustrated in FIGURES l and 2.

Associated with the packaging machine 10 is a stainless steel drum orcontainer 22 having a plurality of legs 24. The drum 22 is provided withan agitator 26 having a shaft 28 extending into the interior of the drum22. The inner end of the shaft 28 is provided with an impeller or blade30. The agitator 26 is driven by an electric motor 32 which is adaptedto be connected to a source of current not shown. Located beneath thecontainer 22 as a separate unit is an electric burner or coil 34 mountedupon a plurality of legs 36. The container 22 is adapted to holdvegetable oil or shortening, salt, butter coloring, and certain otheringredients well known in the art. The mixed ingredients are adapted tobe mixed with kernels of corn in the receptacles as will subsequentlyappear. The heating element or burner 34 maintains the ingredients inthe drum 22 at a predetermined temperature and in a liquid state. Whenthe level of the liquid ingredients in drum 22 drops below a certainlevel, shortening from a heated drum or container 40 is pumped into thedrum 22 automatically by means of the pump 42 and conduit 44. Therotating impeller mixes the various ingredients in container 22.

The apparatus or machine 10 includes six stations where certain fillingand packaging operations are performed. Station I is a loading stationwhere a receptacle 46 of the type illustrated in FIGURE 1A is placed inthe female die element 20 either manually or by means of certainautomatic equipment, as an example, a delivery chute having afluidoperated gate which permits a receptacle 46 to be introduced into thedie element 20 automatically. The receptacle 46 forms one portion of animproved popcorn or food package of the type which is disclosed anddescribed in the copending Richard P. Dunn application, Ser. No.583,590, filed Oct. 3, 1966, assigned to assignee of record. Suchpopcorn package essentially comprises the shallow frying vessel,receptacle or pan 46 which is of circular outline in plan andfrusto-conical in elevation, i.e., generally trapezoidal in thediametral plane of FIGURE 1A. The material of receptacle 46, forexample, aluminum foil, is of sufficient thickness that it is semi-rigidand self-sustaining as to shape when handled prior to and duringintended use. The package further includes a flexible cover 47 as bestillustrated in FIGURES 5 and 8, preferably of cellophane or othersuitably transparent material although a suitable gauge of metal foil ornon-transparent material may be employed. The present machine is adaptedto place a charge 49 of kernels of corn in the receptacle 46 along withcertain liquid ingredients from container 22, such as a suitable fryingagent and the usual other ingredients, agents, avoring or other- Wise,such as salt, butter, articial color, etc. The receptacle 46 includes anintegral flange formation 48 at the top of the span side wall 50. Theformation 48 includes a generally horizontal rim or ledge portion 52 ofsubstantially radially outward extent above the entire top periphery ofthe pun side wall 50 and an upright eylindrleal rim 54. The

rim 54 is subsequently bent and folded at station V to form the packageas will subsequently appear.

After the receptacle 46, of the configuration illustrated in FIGURE 1A,is placed in the die element 20 at station I, the rotary table 16 isindexed sequentially in a step by step manner. At station I Ia charge 49of kernels of corn from hopper 64 are dispensed into the receptacle 46via a measuring and dispensing valve mechanism 60 as will subsequentlybe described. Thereafter the table 16 is indexed to station III wherethe ingredients from drum 22 are dispensed into the receptacle 46 whichwas previously filled with a charge 49 of kernels of corn. Thereafterthe table 16 is indexed to bring the charged receptacle to station IVwhere the pre-cut cellophane cover 47 is placed over the top of thereceptacle 46. Thereafter the table 16 is indexed to move the receptacle46 from station IV to station V where certain closing mechanism isemployed to close the receptacle and seal the contents thereof to formthe popcorn or food package las will subsequently be described indetail. Thereafter the table 16 is indexed to bring the closed packageat station V to station VI which serves as the discharge station. Atsuch station the closed package is lifted from the corresponding femaledie element 20 and is ejected from the machine 10 into a discharge chuteas will subsequently appear.

Station II includes the measuring and dispensing valve `mechanism 60(FIGURE 3) which is connected by a supply conduit 62 to a hopper orcontainer 64 in which is located kernels of corn. The kernels in hopper64, as an example, are gravity fed to the valve mechanism 60. Theconduit 62, as an example, may be made from stainless steel tubing.

The valve mechanism 60 includes an upper diaphragm type valve 66 and alower diaphragm type valve 68. Valves 66 and 68 are of identicalconstruction and are pneumatieally operated. Valves 66 and 68 are ofcircular crosssection (FIGURE 3A) and each of such valves includes atubular housing 70. Located in the housing 70, which may be made fromaluminum or other suitable material, is a tubular rubber sleeve, bushingor diaphragm 72, as an example, made from gum rubber. Each sleeve 72 hasa length greater than housing 70. The upper and lower ends of the rubbersleeve 72 extends beyond the upper and lower ends respectively of thehousing 70 and are reversely bent over the ends of the housing 70 asbest illustrated in FIGURE 3. Each valve 66 and 68 includes upper endlower clamps 74 and 76 which engage the exposed end portions of thesleeve 72 and secure all of the parts together as a unit. The ends ofeach clamp 74 and 76 are connected by means of a nut and bolt 78. Thehousing 70 is provided with an opening which receives one end of asupply conduit 82. The other end of the conduit 82 is adapted to beconnected to a source of air as will subsequently appear.

The lower end of the upper valve 66 is provided with a tubular extension84 which fits into a removable sleeve 86 made from vinyl or othersuitable material. The other end of the vinyl sleeve ts over the upperend of a tubular extension 88. The lower end of extension 88 is receivedin the resilient sleeve or conduit 72 of the lower valve 68. The lowerend of the valve 68 is provided with a tubular extension 90 as shown inFIGURE 3.

The valve mechanism 60 further includes an upper mounting plate 92 and alower mounting plate 94, each plate being of circular configuration. Theconduit 62 extends through a centrally located opening in plate 92 andis sleeved in the upper end of the valve 66. The extension 90 extendsthrough a centrally located opening in the lower mounting plate 94 asbest illustrated in FIGURE 3. Each plate 92 and 94 is provided with fourcircumferentially spaced openings which receive vertically extendingsupport rods 96. The rods 96 maintain the mounting plates 92 and 94 invertically spaced relation. A bracket 98 illustrated in FIGURE 1, as anexample,

secures the valve mechanism 60 column 18.

In operation, a supply of air to the lower valve 68 closes same as isillustrated by the dotted line position of the diaphragm or sleeve 72 inFIGURE 3. The kernels of corn are fed into the measuring and dispensingvalve mechanism 60 to form a charge y49 aforesaid. After the valvemechanism is lled, the upper valve 66 is energized and the diaphragm 72is moved to a closed position to close valve 66. Simultaneously, thesupply of air is cut off from the lower valve 68. As a result valve 68opens and the charge 49 of the kernels of corn trapped in the valvemechanism 60 is dispensed through conduit 90 into the receptacle 46 atstation II. It should be appreciated that the quantity or volume of thematerial trapped in the valve mechanism 60 may be varied by changing thelength of the vinyl sleeve 86 and by adjusting the position of the rods96 by turning the nuts 97. Thereafter the table is indexed so as to movethe charged receptacle receptacle 46 to station III.

The table 16 is provided with a centrally located opening 102 below eachfemale die element 20. In addition a pin locating opening 104 is alsoprovided below each of the female die elements and is used for a purposeto be subsequently described. Station III includes a fluid or pneumaticcylinder 106 having a piston element 108 therein. The cylinder 106 ismounted below table 16 on a bracket 110 appropriately secured, 4as anexample, to the lower column 12. Prior to dispensing the liquidingredients at station III, the cylinder 106 is energized and therebyreciprocates the piston 108 which taps the bottom of the receptacle 46so as to evenly distribute the kernels of corn therein as will readilyappear when referring to FIGURE 4.

Station III includes a metering valve means 112 for to the center postor measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of liquid ingredientsfrom the container 22- to the charged receptacle 46 at station III. Themetering valve 112 may, as an example, be in the form of a two-way valveor a four-way valve, such metering valve having a center position and adelivery position. The metering valve 112 is connected by a supplyconduit 114 to the delivery side of a pump 115. The pump 115 is mountedon container 22 and is in fluid communication with the container 22 asbest illustrated in FIGURE l. When the metering valve 112 is in the4center position, the pump 115 delivers the liquid from container 22through the supply conduit 114 and Imetering valve 112, in the centerposition, and then through the return conduit 116 to container 22. Thereturn conduit 116 is connected between the metering valve 112 and thecontainer 22. Thus a closed recirculating circuit is provided for thecontainer 22. When the metering valve 112 is in the delivery position,the pump 115 delivers the liquid ingredients through supply conduit 114to the open port of the metering valve 112 which in turn meters anddispenses a predetermined quantity or volume into the previously chargedreceptacle 46.

After the liquid ingredients have been mixed with the kernals of corn inthe charged receptacle 46, the table is then indexed to move suchreceptacle to station IV. At such station a cover 47 of the typeheretofore described is placed on the top of the receptacle `46 eithermanually or by means of an automatic dispensing mechanism, such as avacuum controlled pickup arm which picks up one cover 47 at a time andmoves same over the receptacle 47 at station IV.

FIGURES 1l and 12 illustrate and apparatus or machine 114 for cuttingthe cellophane covers 47. The appartus 114 includes a `frame 116 havinga base 118, a column 120 at one side of the base 118 and an overhangingforwardly extending bracket or support 122 at the upper end of thecolumn 120. The apparatus 114 further includes a tubular column 123having a vertically movable spindle 124 therein. The spindle 124 isprovided with an adjustable chuck 126. A pneumatic cylinder 121 isprovided Afor verti- 6 cally reciprocating the spindle and chuck and theassociated female die 132 carried by the chuck 126.

The apparatus 114 includes an adjustable platform or bed 128 upon whichis mounted a male die 130. The male die 130 has an opening 127 and isprovided with a steel rule die 129 having an annular upwardly extendingserrated edge 131. The female die 132 aforesaid is provided with a rod134 supported by the adjustable chuck 126. The female die 132 isprovided with a rubber insert 136 which is provided with a circular slot138 arranged on a diameter.

Mounted on the bracket 122 intermediate the col-umn 120 and the column123 are a pair of spaced apart roll brackets 140 which carries a shaft142 for supporting a roll of cellophane material 144. The leading end ofthe cellophane material 144 extends vertically downwardly and is guidedaround a guide roll 146 carried by a bracket 148 fixed to the bed 128.The cellophane material 144 extends across the male die 130. When thepneumatic cylinder 121 is energized, the female die 132 severs a cover47 from the material, with each cover 47 falling into a container 150through the opening 127 and a corresponding opening in the bed 128.Automatic means, not shown, may 'be provided for feeding the stripmaterial 144 intermittently across the male die 130 while simulaneouslyreciprocating the female die 132 in timed relation with the feedingcycle to cut the covers 47. This same operation may be performedautomatic or semi-automatic.

After a cover 47 has been placed on the receptacle at station IV, thetable or rotary support 16 is then indexed so as to move the coveredreceptacle to station V. FIGURES 5-9 inclusive illustrate a closing heador die assembly 152 and other means at station V. The assembly 152includes a centrally located tubular shaft or element 154 which isprovided on the interior thereof with a tubular or hollow shaft orelement 156. The upper end of the outer shaft 154 extends through and isfxedly secured to a stationary bracket 158 mounted on the apparatus 10and is thus held against movement. The inner shaft 156 extends above thefixed bracket 158 and through a movable lever and is held thereon by anut 161. The shaft 156 is xedly secured to the lever 160 and is movabletherewith. A cylinder 162, as best illustrated in FIGURE 9, isinterposed between an arm 164 of the stationary bracket 158 and anintermediate portion of the lever 160. The cylinder portion of thecylinder 162 is connected to the arm 164 by fastening means 165 whilethe movable rod portion of the cylinder 162 is connected to lever 160 byfastening means 163. Thus, when the cylinder 162 is energized, the lever160 is moved through a range of 12. As a result thereof the inner shaft156 is rotated through a range of 12 as will subsequently appear.

The closing head or die assembly 150 includes a hollow upper closing die164 which has a hollow inner closing die 166 located therein. The outerdie 164 is provided at the bottom edge thereof with an annular formingedge 167 having a 30 taper. The inner closing die 166 is provided at thebottom edge thereof with a fiat relatively narrow generally horizontalforming edge 169. The outer closing die 164 is provided wih a tubularcollar 168 which movably receives the tubular collar 172 provided on theinner closing die 166. The inner and outer closing dies 164 and 166 aresleeved over the outer shaft 156 and are movable with the respectthereto as best illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6. Means are provided formoving the closing dies 164 and 166 with respect to the fixed outershaft 156 and such means include a pair of pneumatically operated togglede vices to the over center type. An annular clamp 176 is located aroundthe collar 168 and is provided with a pair outwardly extending ears 178.Each toggle device 17 0 includes a pair of pivotally connected levers180 and 182. The adjacent ends of levers and 182 are pivotally connectedby means of a pivot pin or device 184. The outer end of lever 182 isconnected to the ear 178 by means of a pin 186, While the outer end ofthe other lever 180 is iixedly connected to a stationary support bracket188 by means of a pin or bolt 190 as best illustrated in FIG- URES and6. The support bracket 188 is connected to the frame of the apparatus.Each toggle device 170 is provided with a pneumatic cylinder and pistondevice or motor 189 for moving the outer closing die 164 from the raisedposition shown in FIGURE 5 to the closing position of FIGURE 6. When inthe closing position the forming edge 167 of the outer die 164 bends theflange 54 of the receptacle 46 inwardly at 30 to form an annular groovein the receptacle 46. The over center action of the pneumaticallyoperated toggle devices 170 lock the die 164 in operative position.

The outer closing die 164 and the inner closing die 166 have a chamber192 provided therebetween as best illustrated in FIGURE 6. Chamber 192is connected to a source of vacuum through the connection 194 and to asource of air through the connection 196 as best illustrated in FIGURE6. The aligned openings in the collar 168 and 172 are provided with abushing 200 through which the stationary shaft 154 extends asillustrated in FIGURE 6. The inner closing die 166 is provided with arecess 202 in which is located a spring 204 which surrounds the shaft154. The spring 204 is located in the chamber 202 between the abutmentsurface 206 provided on the inner closing die 166 and the abutmentsurface 20S provided on the top of the forming die 210.

The forming die 210 is ixedly connected to the lower end of the fixedshaft 154 and is provided with a centrally located opening through whichthe inner end of the movable shaft 156 extends. The forming die 210 isprovided with a lower housing 212 having a frusto-conical side wall 213and a flat bottom surface provided with a rubber disk 215 ofapproximately 1/s" thickness. The disk 215 is provided with a centrallylocated opening 217 through which a blast of air is directed as will besubsequently described. The housing 212 is provided `with a cavity 214in which is located a movable plate 216 xed to the shaft 156. Thehousing 212 is provided with four circumferentially spaced radiallyextending keyways 218, each of which receives a tab 220 extendingradially from the plate 216. It should be observed that the plate 216 islixedly connected to the rotatable shaft 156. Thus when the shaft 156 isrotated the plate 216 also rotates and moves the four tabs 220 in theirrespective grooves 218.

The forming die 210 further includes on the top surface of the lowerhousing 212 four relatively thin horizontally extending fingers or disks222 made from a plastic material such as Teon. The ngers 222, in planview, as shown in FIGURE 7 are each in the form of a quadrant of acircle. The fingers 222 are of identical construction and each finger222 contains four elongated slots 224, 226, 228 and 230.

Each of the four slots in each finger 222 movably receives an upstandingpin carried by either the movable plate 216 or by the upper housing 232.The housing 232 is sleeved over and fixed to the outer shaft 154 andrests upon the top surfaces of the fingers 222. The upper housing 232carries pins 234, 236 and 238 which are received in slots 224, 226 and228 respectively. Pin 240 is carried by the corresponding tab 220 onplate 216 and is received in slot 230. With such a construction the fourlingers 222 are adapted to be expanded radially upon rotation of theshaft 156 through 12 to urge the outer periphery of the cover 47 intothe groove at the top of the receptacle 46 formed by the outer closingdie 164.

With the closing head assembly 152 in the position shown in FIGURE 5 thecylinders 184 are energized to move the three dies 164, 166 and 212downwardly. The forming die 212 contacts the cover 47 and urges samedownwardly against the bottom and side of the receptacle 46. Almostsimultaneously therewith the outer closing die 164 bends the flange 54on the receptacle 46 inwardly at 30 to form an endless groove, Almostsimultaneously therewith, the cylinder 162 is energized so as to rotatelever and the inner shaft 156 through 12. As a result thereof the plate216 carried by the inner shaft 156 is also rotated through a 12 rangeand the four pins 236 carried thereby engage the corresponding walls ofthe slots 226 and move the four fingers or disks 222 radially outwardly.As a result of such movement of the outer periphery of the cover 47 isurged into the previously formed groove in the receptacle 46.

Upon the toggle devices going over center a signal from signal valve 240is sent to cylinder 162 to move same in the opposite direction. As aresult thereof the lever 160, shaft 156 and plate 216 are rotated in theopposite direction through 12 to thereby retract the four fingers 222.Finally when cylinder 162 is returned it operates valve W-3 throughlever 160 moving cam 284 and as a result thereof the inner closing die166 is urged downwardly to engage the upper receptacle flange 54 andurge same against the cover 47 to form a closed and sealed package asshown in FIGURE 8. Thereafter the cylinders 189 are energized in theopposite direction to return the closing head assembly 152 including thetoggle devices 170 to the position shown in FIGURE 5.

Station V includes a column or support 242 located below the rotarysupport 16 directly 4beneath the closing head assembly 152. Such column242 supports the closing head assembly during the closing operation justdescribed.

Thereafter the closed and sealed package is indexed from station V tostation VI. Station VI includes a lifting device 244, a spring returnejecting device 246 and a discharge chute 248. The lifting device 244includes, as an example, a pneumatically operated piston and cylinderdevice 250 having a head 252 which, when energized, is moved through theopenings 102 in the rotary support 16 and die element 20 to engage thebottom of the closed package and move same upwardly to a position abovethe top of the die element 20.

The ejecting device 246 is in the form of a pneumatically operatedcylinder and ypiston device which is connected to the center post 18 onthe inner side of the die element 20. The device 246 has a head 247 andincludes a spring for returning same to an inoperative position. Thedischarge chute 248 is located on the outer side of the die element 20.The upper end of chute 248 rests upon the table 16 and the lower end ofthe chute rests upon a packing table 254 having legs 256. The ejectingdevice 246 is energized after the closed package is in a raised positionso as to move the head 247 against the package and thus move the packagein a generally radially outwardly direction into the discharge chute248. Thereafter a. person takes the sealed package and places same in abox or container along with other packages for subsequent shipment.

A pneumatically operated piston and cylinder device 260 is mountedbeneath the table 16 to control the rotation of table 16. The device 260includes a rod 262, the outer end of which is operatively connected bylinkage means 264 to an arm which is connected, as an example, to asleeve 266 depending from table 16. The sleeve 266 is mounted onbearings as described heretofore. When cylinder device 260 is energizedthe rod 262 is stroked through a predetermined distance to move thetable through a range of 36.

The rotary table 16 is provided with ten holes 104 aforesaid, one hole104 below each die element 20. The apparatus further includes a tableindex pin 268 (FIG- URE 1) which, when energized, is moved into theopening 104 after the indexing operation as will be described in moredetail hereinafter. Thus the pin 268 locks the rotary support 16 inplace so as to align the various die elements 20 at the proper positionswith respect to the various work stations.

In order to carry out the operations described heretofore the apparatus10 includes a Mead programmer designated by the numeral 270 in FIGURE 2.The programmer 270 includes an electrical motor 272. which drives ashaft 274 having thereon a plurality of cams X, totaling eleven innumber. Each cam X controls a threeway valve. Such three-way valves aredesignated V-l through V-11 inclusive in FIGURE 13 which represents aschematic diagram of the pneumatic circuit included in the apparatus 10.

The apparatus further includes fourteen cylinders or pneumatic motors,some of which have been described heretofore. Such cylinder devices aredesignated in FIG- URE 13 as C-1 through C-14 inclusive. Certain ones ofthe cylinders are provided with four-way control valves designated bythe letters V-A through V-H inclusive in FIGURE 13. Such four-waycontrol valves are used to control the direction of air to the cylindersas determined by the automatic programmer 270. Cylinders C-l, C-2, C-3,C-4, and C-9 have associated therewith three-way valves designated W-1through W-S respectively. Such three-way valves are used for specificpurposes which will be described in detail hereinafter. Valve W-S hasassociated therewith a fixed orifice designated as FO-l in FIG- URE 13which is used to choke the exhaust supply in one operation on themachine 10 as will be explained hereinafter.

The apparatus 10 also includes four air regulators designated as R-lthrough R-4 inclusive in FIGUE 13. Such regulators are adapted todecrease the pressure of the air when required, as is well known in theart.

Rather than designating the various lines and conduits (shown in FIGURE13 and in FIGURES 1 and 2) which are used to connect the variouscomponents of the circuit, it is believed that the operation of theapparatus 10 and the circuit therefor may best be described by definingthe individual function of each of the cylinders C-1 through C-14inclusive along with the function of their respective control valves.

The schematic circuit or diagram illustrated in FIGURE 13 includescertain legends which briefly describe the particular functions of thecomponent-s and which also refers to certain work stations previouslydescribed. Referring to FIGURE 13 it will be noted that cylinders C-lthrough C-S are all employed at station V. Cylinders C-l and C-Z forclosing dies 164 and 166 work together in the operation of securing thecover 47 to the receptacle 46 as described heretofore. Upon receipt ofan impulse of air from the valve V-7 (closer down, pan ejector up),valve V-A (closer) directs the flow of the air to the back ends ofcylinders C-1 and C2. As a result thereof the piston rods in suchcylinders are moved to an extended or out position. Such action lowersthe closing head assembly 152 from the position illustrated in FIGURE 5to the position illustrated in FIGURE 6 as described heretofore.

Through the camming mechanism 280 provided on cylinders C-l and C-2,valve W-l located adjacent such cylinders is made operational anddirects an imrpulse of air to valve V-D (fingers 222) -which directs theflow of air to cylinder C-3 on the back side thereof thereby movingcylinder C-3 to an extended or out position. U-pon reaching theirextended position, cylinders C-1 and C-2 operate valve W-2 locatedadjacent such cylinders which reverses the air flow in valve V-D(fingers) thus returning cylinder C-3 to an in or retracted position.When cylinder C-3 is moved to a retracted position it operates amechanical cam 284 which actuates valve W-3. Valve W-3, when actuated,directs a pulse of air to control valve V-B for inner die 166 which isC-S. This directs the ow of air to cylinder C-5. As a result thereofcylinder C-S is urged downwardly to provide the final force required inclosing and sealing the package.

Cylinder C-6 controls the package ejector at station Cylinder C-6 ismoved to an extended position when valve V-C receives an impulse of airfrom valve V-7 to direct the flow of air to the back side of cylinderC-.

Cylinders C-l and C-2 are returned to their retracted position whenvalve V1 directs a signal to the other side of valve V-A, therebyredirecting the flow of air to the front side of cylinders C-l and C-2.As a result thereof the piston rods in cylinders C-1 and C-Z are movedin the opposite direction thus moving the closing head assembly from theposition illustrated in FIGURE 6` to the position illustrated in FIGURE5.

@linder C-S for the inner closing die 166 is returned to its originalposition, not by the pressure of air, but by vacuum. This isaccomplished when valve V1 directs a signal to valve W-B therebydirecting the flow of air to cylinder C-4 which is operatively connectedto vacuum control switch. Cylinder C-4, in the form of a spring returnair cylinder, upon moving to its extended or out position actuates thevalve W-4 which opens cylinder C-5 to a source or supply of vacuum.

Cylinder C-6 is also moved to an end or retracted position when valveW-C receives an impulse of air or a signal from the valve V-1 and as aresult thereof directs the flow of air to the front side of cylinderC-6. Such action completes the operational sequence of cylinderCylinders C-7 and C-8 (corn valve or corn dispenser) Work directlyopposite from each other at station II. When valve V-2 sends or directsan impulse of air to one side of the control valve V-E (corn valve) theflow of air is directed to cylinder C-7 thereby closing such valve andsimultaneously exhausting cylinder C-S. The reverse of theaforementioned operation between cylinders C-7 and C-8 is accomplishedwhen the control valve V-E receives an impulse 0f air or a signal fromvalve V-4 thus changing the direction of the ow of air.

When valve V-4 is made operational it serves one additional purpose.Such valve V-4 is effective to operate control valve V-F in such amanner so as to turn on a supply or blast of air which acts to blow thefinished package at station V off of the bottom of the closing headassembly 152.

Cylinder C-9 which controls the rotation of the table 16 is in turnoperated by valve V-3 which rotates the table 16 in the forwarddirection and by valve V-10 which returns the table rotater or cylinderC-9. When valve V-3 directs an impulse of air to valve V-G, the flow ofair is directed to the back and of cylinder C-9. As a result thereofcylinder C-9 is moved to an out or extended position. When cylinder C-9has nearly completed its extending stroke, valve W5 is actuated by meansof the mechanical cam 286 provided on the rod of cylinder C-9. As aresult of such camming action the flow of exhaust air is redirected fromthe side of the cylinder C-9 through the fixed orifice FO-1, therebycushioning the movement of the rotary support or table 16.

The reverse movement of cylinder C-9 is provided by valve V-10 whichsends a signal or a pulse of air to valve W-G thereby opening the frontend of cylinder C-9 to the flow of air.

Valve V-3 also directs a pulse of air or signal to the other side ofvalve V-F thus shutting off the blast of air previously mentioned.

Cylinders C-10 and C-11 are mounted and arranged to work directlyopposite one another. Such action is controlled 'by a .signal or a pulseof air from valve V-S to V-H, and V-9 thus directing a signal to theother side of valve V-H. Valve V-5 extends cylinder C-10` and retrac-tscylinder C-11 while valve V-9 when opera-tional accomplishes theopposite movement. No other components are controlled by valves V-S andV-9.

Cylinder C-12 may be classified as an air return spring out air cylinderwhich is used to meter the amount of shortening, salt .and butter flavorused in the popcorn package. Such metering operation is made possible byvalve V-6 which is held operational Ifor a yshort period of time. Aslong as valve V-6 is held operational, a supply of air is sent directlyto ythe front side of cylinder C-1'2 thus Iallowing the liquid solutionor ingredients to be dispensed into the receptacle 46 .at station III.When valve V-6 is de-activated cylinder C12 is returned to its originalposition by -means of a spring provided in the cylinder.

Cylinder C-13 is used to properly align the kernels of corn in thebottom of ythe aluminum recpetacle 46 at station III prior to theaddition of the liquid solution or ingredients at such station. CylinderC-13 is designated as an -air operated spring return cylinder which isactivated by a pulse of air from valve V-8.

Cylinder C-14 is of the same type las cylinder C-13 and is utilized atstation VI to eject the finished package into the discharge chute 248.This is accomplished through valve V-11 which is held operational for `apredetermined period of time thereby directing the fiow of air containedtherein to cylinder C-14 to activate same.

The apparatus 10 further includes an electrical control box and panel290 (FIGURE 2) having thereon a series of push 'buttons 292, each buttonhaving a corresponding light, not shown. One push button is provided toclose a corresponding switch, not shown, to in turn energize or operatethe following: (a) vibrator, not shown on hopper 64, (ib) rotator, C-9,(c) yagitator 26, (d) oil pump 115, (e) vacuum supply, (f) programmer270. The control box -292 is connected to such components by variousleads or electrical conduits 296. The pneumatic circuit also includesvarious gauges, safety valves and other standard components well knownin the art.

Referring once again to FIGURES -8 inclusive it should be noted that thefour radially movable fingers 222 are each provided with la downwardlytapered surf-ace 223 at the outer periphery thereof. Each of thesurfaces 223 is provided with a 30 taper. The outer closing die 164urges the outer periphery of the cover 47 and part of the flange `54against such surfaces 223 to complete the sealing and closing operation.The plate 216 of the forming die 212 is, as an example, keyed to theinner shaft 156 by la key and key-way means, not shown. The pinsextending through the fingers 222 are made from lhardened steel.

|FIGURES 5 and 6 illustrate that each die element 20 is `secured to therotary `support 16 by means of a Iringlike element or member .21 locatedbeneath the table 1'6 and by a plurality of bolts 23 secured to themember 21, table 16 and die element 20 in the order mentioned as shownin FIGURE 6.

The drawings fand the foregoing specification constitute 'a descriptionof the improved method and apparatus for filling and closing a packagein such full, clear, concise 'and exact terms as :to enable -any personskilled in the art to practice the invention, the scope of which isindicated by the appended claims.

What we claim as our invention is:

1. A packaging machine having a plurality of stations comprising arotary support having a series of die elements thereon, each elementbeing adapted to receive an open top receptacle having a rim at a firststation, first valve means at a second station for measuring anddelivering a predetermined amount of solid ingredients to thereceptacle, second valve means at a third station for measuring anddelivering a predetermined amount of liquid ingredients to thereceptacle, means at a fourth station for positioning a cover on thereceptacle, a closing die assembly at a fifth station for fixedlyconnecting the cover to the receptacle to close and seal same, means ata sixth station for lifting the closed receptacle from the correspondingdie element and ejecting same from the machine, and means for indexingsaid rotary support from station to station in a step by step manner,said closing die assembly including a pair of relatively movable innerand outer closing dies, a forming die and a plurality of expandablefingers on said forming die, said closing die assembly upon operationthereof being moved toward the cover and receptacle, the forming dieengag- 12 ing the cover and moving same towards the bottom and sides ofthe receptacle, with the outer closing die engaging the rim on thereceptacle and turning same inwardly to define an annular groove in thereceptacle, and said lingers thereafter expanding and engaging the outeredge of the cover and inserting same into the annular groove of thereceptacle, and thereafter said inner closing die engaging and clampingsaid rim and cover together to close said groove and to thereby form asealed receptacle.

2. The packaging machine defined in claim 1 wherein said first valvemeans include an upper diaphragm type valve and a lower diaphragm typevalve spaced from said upper valve, said valves being operatedsequentially to` trap and measure a predetermined amount of solidingridients therebetween, said valves being operable simultaneously,with one of the valves always opened and the other valve always closed,said lower valve opening after the ingredients have been trapped andmeasured to permit the solid ingredients to discharge into thereceptacle.

3. The packaging machine defined in claim 1 wherein tamping means areprovided at said third station engageable with the bottom of thereceptacle t0 evenly distribute the solid ingredients in suchreceptacle.

4. The packaging machine defined in claim 1 wherein said second valvemeans includes at least two ports, one -port through which a meteredamount of the liquid ingredients is injected into the receptacle and thesecond port which leads to the primary source of the liquid ingridientsto permit recirculation thereof.

5. The packaging machine defined in claim 1 wherein said sixth stationincludes a fiuid operated lifting device engageable with the bottom ofthe closed receptacle for moving same upwardly to a place above theupper surface of the die element.

6. The packaging machine defined in claim 5 wherein said sixth stationincludes a fiuid operated ejecting device engageable with the raisedcontainer for removing same from the machine.

7. The packaging machine defined in claim 1 wherein fiuid operatedlocking means are engageable with the rotary support for maintainingsame in a locked -position after the indexing operation.

8. A packaging machine comprising a support having a die element thereonwhich is adapted to receive an open top receptacle having a rim, meansfor measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of ingredients tothe receptacle, means for positioning a cover on the receptacle, aclosing die assembly located above said support for fixedly connectingthe cover to the receptacle to close and seal same, said closing dieassembly including a pair of relatively movable inner and outer closingdies, a forming die and a plurality of expandable fingers on saidforming die, said closing die assembly upon operation thereof beingmoved towards the cover and receptacle, the forming die engaging thecover and moving same towards the bottom and sides of the receptacle,with the outer closing die engaging the rim on the receptacle andturning same inwardly to define an annular groove in the receptacle, andsaid fingers thereafter expanding and engaging the outer edge of thecover and inserting same into the annular groove of the receptacle, andthereafter said inner closing die engaging and clamping said rim andcover together to close said groove and to thereby form a sealedreceptacle.

9. A packaging machine comprising a support having a die element thereonwhich is adapted to receive an open top receptacle having a rim, meansfor measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of ingredients tothe receptacle, means for positioning a cover on the receptacle, aclosing die assembly located above said support for fixedly connectingthe cover to the receptacle to close and seal same, said closing dieassembly including a tubular non-rotatable outer shaft, a tubularrotatable inner shaft in said outer shaft, a pair of relatively movableinner and outer closing dies sleeved over and secured to said outershaft and having a fiuid chamber interposed therebetween for moving suchdies relative to one another, a forming die secured to the lower end ofsaid outer shaft and into which said inner shaft extends, a plurality ofradially expandable fingers carried by said forming die, and camoperated means interposed between said fingers and said forming die,said cam operated means being actuated upon rotation of said inner shaftto effect radial movement of Said ngers, said closing die assembly uponoperation thereof being moved towards the cover and receptacle, theforming die engaging the cover and moving same towards the bottom andsides of the receptacle, with the outer closing die engaging the rim onthe receptacle and turning same inwardly to define an annular groove inthe receptacle, and said fingers thereafter expanding and engaging theouter edge of the cover and inserting same into the annular groove ofthe receptacle, and thereafter said inner closing die engaging andclamping said rim and cover together to close said groove and to therebyform a sealed receptacle.

10. The packaging machine defined in claim 9 wherein said forming die isprovided with a cavity having a plate therein which is secured to saidinner shaft, said forming die and said plate being provided with aplurality of pins which are received in slots provided in said fingerswhereby rotation of said inner shaft rotates said plate and in turnurges the pins relative to the slots in said fingers to effect radialmovement of the fingers.

11. A closing head assembly comprising a tubular nonrotatable outershaft, a tubular rotatable inner shaft in said outer shaft, a pair ofrelatively movable inner and outer closing dies sleeved over and securedto said outer shaft and having a fluid chamber interposed therebetweenfor moving such dies relative to one another, a forming die secured tothe lower end of said outer shaft and into which said inner shaftextends, a plurality of radially expandable fingers carried by'saidforming die, and cam operated means interposed between said fingers andsaid forming die, said cam operated means being actuated upon rotationof said inner shaft to effect radial movement of said fingers.

12. The closing head assembly defined in claim 11 wherein said formingdie is provided with a cavity having a plate therein which is secured tosaid inner shaft, said forming die and said plate being provided with aplurality of pins which are received in slots provided in said fingerswhereby rotation of said inner shaft rotates said plate and in turnurges the pins relative to the slots in said fingers to effect radialmovement of the fingers.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,843,536 2/1932 Barbieri 53-3662,648,479 8/ 1953 Martin 141-103 2,867,537 1/1959 Whitaker 53-37 X2,972,216 2/1961 Schmidt 53-281 3,092,944 6/1963 Wise 53-281 X 3,195,5897/1965' Houda 141-131 3,303,974 2/1967 Bleuler c 2515 X 3,354,61411/1967 St. Clair et al 53-282 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,265,286 5/1961 France.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. R. L. SPRUILL, Assistant Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 53239, 366; 113-1

